Bomb Threats

As with any emergency situation, you need to stay calm.  If you receive a bomb threat you need to make yourself aware of anything unique about the call itself; the callers voice, background noises or anything that may help determine who or where this caller is.  Sometimes it is difficult to remember information especially when you are upset; keep the caller on the line as long as possible and take detailed notes about what is being said and what you are picking up on throughout the conversation.  

While on the phone try and note:

If the speaker is male or female
If the speaker has a distinctive accent
If the voice is disguised, muffled or strange-sounding
If the voice is shrill or deep
Any background noise (eg. traffic, bus passing, bell ringing, fax or printer sounds)
Any noises which could help identify whether the call was indoors or outdoors

It is a criminal offence to make a bomb threat; whether this is  real or a hoax you must contact the police immediately and let them decide.  Upon getting off the phone and notifying the police, you should contact building management.  Do not touch any suspicious packages, leave the area and make sure the police are immediately notified of your concerns.

If you have been evacuated from a building avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas.  Do not block the sidewalk or street as it will need to be kept clear for emergency officials.

In the case of an explosion get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.  If items are falling off bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or desk until the situation has stabilized enough for your safe passage.  Ensure your own safety before trying to help others.